Mann said he has, indeed, offered neighbors who would be most impacted by the turbine remuneration for any perceived annoyance, adding that studies show that once a turbine is erected concerns about them tend to evaporate. According to Mann, he's offered residents living within 2,300 of the proposed turbine up to $2,000 annually for 20 years.

During its Wednesday night hearing on the issue, the ZBA granted cranberry grower Keith Mann's revised request for three turbines instead of four on 331 acres of land off Head of the Bay Road. "It's a step in the right direction," Mann said. "We do intend to re-file for number five (turbine). That's near Route 25 with larger setbacks from homes - 1,800 feet." Mann revised his request when it became clear there was not a majority of ZBA members on board for all four.

Massachusetts and federal officials have designated a 3,000-square-mile swath of ocean south of Cape Cod and the Islands available to lease to developers of commercial-scale offshore wind farms. State officials and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement announced Tuesday a "request for interest" to find out where in the area developers might want to pursue projects.

On Tuesday the board was divided, with Mr. Murphy and Mr. Foreman arguing that Mr. Gore had erred in not requiring the town to apply for a special permit to erect the wind turbine. On the other side were Mr. Erickson and Ms. Johnson who defended Mr. Gore's ruling. Who is right? Based on what the board's attorney, Mark Bobrowski of Concord, said, it is a gray area based upon inconsistencies in the town's zoning bylaws.

The Zoning Board of Appeals didn't get a chance to start to deliberate Wednesday night on whether or not to approve a special permit for a wind turbine project on Head of the Bay Road in South Plymouth.

Neil P. Andersen of Blacksmith Shop Road filed the appeal in November, asking the zoning board to overturn Building Commissioner Eladio R. Gore's ruling that Wind 1 did not present a nuisance by virtue of excessive noise-a ruling issued in response to a complaint by Mr. Andersen.

The proposed bylaw aims to facilitate the use of individual wind turbines while preserving the rights of neighbors and the community at-large. For instance, if approved, the bylaw would stipulate that wind turbines could only be built on lots 10 acres or larger. It also deals with such requirements as height, setbacks, noise and visibility.

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.'s vision of a large wind turbine spinning above the East Gloucester salt marshes may have become the shortest lived of Cape Ann's yet-unrealized commercial wind power projects. Plans to build a large windmill in the grocer's Bass Avenue shopping center were dealt a serious blow Thursday night by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which rejected a bid for zoning relief at the site, the first hurdle in local permitting.

City officials properly are moving forward to fashion an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow the siting of wind turbines in the city. The use of wind turbines and windmills is not addressed in the city’s zoning amendment. Under the proposal being considered, they would be allowed through a special permit process before the Planning Board. Last week the City Council Land Use Committee sent what it called a “viable ordinance” to the Planning Board. The board will set up a public hearing process. When the Planning Board hearings are completed, the City Council will hold hearings. While the two-step process may appear cumbersome, it will give residents time to air their views and will ensure that potential negative effects on neighborhoods are addressed upfront.

WAREHAM — The special Town Meeting will resume tonight at 7 in the high school auditorium. Most of the remaining business voters must address deals with proposed zoning changes. When Town Meeting begins, voters will first continue discussion of a proposal to prohibit retail business from industrial-zoned properties. They began debating the matter before adjourning last Monday.